Allson Hotel

Accessibility Rating:

From a restaurant dining perspective Allson Hotel Singapore is probably better associated with AH-YAT Abalone restaurant. However, because of the hotel’s age and current design, it is not very wheelchair friendly.

Map 1: Location of Allson Hotel.

For an able-bodied guest or hotel visitor, Allson Hotel will pose no problems; but not so for a wheelchair user and his/her primary attendants for the day.

Photo 1: Hotel entrance.

Note that the entrance is right along the one-lane driveway, so if there’s a vehicle (like a tour bus) parked in front of you, it will be a long wait before you will be able to position your car next to the entrance. Also, rain will hinder the process of letting the wheelchair user alight.

The good thing about this entrance is the ramp (though not built for a wheelchair user in mind). It is more likely build for the easy loading and unloading of the hotel’s guest’s luggage.

Photo 2: The first challenge the wheelchair user will face.

Here’s a tip. Ask the concierge for help. When we were there, they were more than willing to help lift Dad up the stairs. And when we were leaving the building, again they were happy to oblige to help.

I learned something new that day, which was, by tilting the wheelchair backwards at a 45 degree angle (see image 1), it is safer for the wheelchair user to be transported down the steps than facing backwards (which I would have done). However, two people were needed to hold / support the sides of the wheelchair for added safety.

Image 1: Tilted wheelchair

Photo 3: The lifts are ok. They were able to fit five people, including the wheelchair.

The restrooms are another matter. I couldn’t find a restroom that a wheelchair user could use.

Also, for convenience sake, I recommend that you use the valet parking service (which is complimentary if you dine at Ah-Yat Abalone).